The after-disaster broadcast takes place after a dormant volcano erupts and starts a post-apocalypse. Through narrative summary told by the main character Jo, the early episodes function as little less than quirky monologues about events that have recently happened. The first time we hear one of her companion’s voices is in episode 4. A low point for the characters and story, though an important message about periods and the stigma surrounding a bodily function.

Narrative Ramblings of an Unconventional Post-Apocalypse

Written by J.J. Ranvier and performed by a thus-far limited cast, the character of Jo Prendergast is likable in the same way that a pithy one-liner is cool in the right context. Speaking of the context, the story’s apocalypse isn’t a zombie outbreak or nuclear armageddon. A volcano erupted and somehow covered everything from at least the East Coast to the Midwest of the United States in ash.

Ranvier oozes the awkwardness and uncertainty of a young woman in over their head. A metaphor for adulting, maybe? Does it work as a character quirk? Yes, but there’s not much else to differentiate her from so many other characters of this type.

A Travelogue Plot with Some Set Dressing?

Most post-apocalyptic stories these days tend to deal with what it means to be human when society’s norms and laws are no longer in effect. The “After-Disaster Broadcast” is no different. It does, however, take a while to get there. The episodes after “The Road to Aunt Flo” are short stories told in one or two installments. It’s unclear how slow a burn this series wants to have or if the mini-episodes are important to the story down the line.

The pacing is by far the strangest aspect of the show. Eight episodes of the main story in and trying to tell someone the plot is like explaining your favorite comic book character to someone who clearly doesn’t care. The pacing is fast in terms of the line delivery, but slow when it comes to advancing the plot. There aren’t enough hooks for listeners to get engaged with the story, beyond Jo’s infectious personality. Perhaps re-listening would provide some context.

As it stands, the story is a blend of anthology and serialized fiction that doesn’t quite mesh well on first listen. It keeps you entertained and on the edge of your seat, but nine episode in and it’s starting to feel like rambling without any story. With perhaps 20 episodes (minus the mini ones) in the first season, that’s just too much stimuli for a listener without a concrete narrative through line. Perhaps there’s one later, but it shouldn’t be close to the halfway mark of the story.

7.5 out of 10 Stars

Next Time

Magus Elgar